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Dilemmas experienced by government veterinarians when responding professionally to farm animal welfare incidents in Ireland

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Author(s)
Devitt, Catherine 
Kelly, Paddy T. 
Blake, Martin 
Hanlon, Alison 
More, Simon John 
Uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7571
Date Issued
06 February 2014
Date Available
19T12:35:14Z April 2016
Abstract
Objectives: This paper identifies the dilemmas experienced by government veterinarians during their investigations of farm animal welfare incidents that involve herd owner social, health, and/or psychological difficulties. The paper builds on exploratory qualitative research into the impact of these difficulties on farm animal welfare.Design: The study used a qualitative research approach. Focus groups were conducted.Setting: In Ireland, an Early Warning System (EWS), which brings together relevant agencies, is in place to identify and prevent farm animal welfare problems before they become critical. This study is concerned with the experiences of government veterinarians who respond to farm animal welfare incidents. Specific focus is on incidents that involve herd owner social/ psychological/health-related difficulties.Participants: In total, n=18 government veterinarians (representing 15 per cent of the population sample), all with a keen interest in farm animal welfare, participated. These were selected on the basis of their interest, experience, and involvement in farm animal welfare. One government veterinarian declined to participate. Four focus groups were conducted with government veterinarians. These took place in the south (S), south-west (SW), midlands (M), and north-west region of Ireland (NW). All 16 District Veterinary Offices (DVOs) were represented in the focus groups.Results: The results reveal three professional dilemmas that exist for government veterinarians: (1) defining professional parameters; (2) determining the appropriate response; (3) involvement versus detachment. Participants reported not wanting any additional training. Instead, it was agreed that a formal bridge to social service providers who have the professional capability to respond appropriately and with confidence, was required.Conclusions: Clearly defined guidelines are required for government veterinarians in their encounters with farm animal welfare incidents where there is a complex human component. A coordinated multiagency approach that is flexible enough to meet the needs of individual farm animal welfare cases is required. 
Sponsorship
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
University College Dublin
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Journal
Veterinary Record Open
Volume
1
Issue
1
Copyright (Published Version)
2014 the Authors
Keywords
  • Government verterinar...

  • Animal welfare

  • Ireland

DOI
10.1136/vropen-2013-000003
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/
Owning collection
Veterinary Medicine Research Collection
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